Hi, I am fairly new to CC. I have been a pastry chef/chef for years and I am now starting my cake business. I got to do the occasional cake when I worked for a catering company and it was always my favorite thing to do- but I never took pictures of any of my cakes- I didn't plan on starting a cake business at the time! So now I have to build a portfolio. I have noticed not only amazingly beautiful cakes here, but GREAT photography! I don't really want to buy any expensive photo equipment, I have so many other things to buy. Can anyone share your photography tips? I have one pic on here that I took with my camera phone- not so great...

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopicp-6721840-.html

HTH

Welcome to CC & congrats on the new business!! I struggled with this for a while too. If you are going to be doing wedding cakes you can connect with the photographer and ask for a nice photo in return for a dozen cupcakes or some cookies...the trade works every time

For all other cakes I just started using the "science fair" presentation boards (3 panel fold up kind) with a nice plain colored fabric draped over...it looks very nice!

HTH & good luck!
Jenny

First issue of Cake Central Magazine has some great advice on how to take great pictures using an average digital camera. Definetly helped mine!

Jenny,
I really like your idea of making a trade with the photog at weddings. If the lighting is good, that is where the cake would look it's prettiest- hopefully. The kitchen I am going to be working out of is in a coffee shop, they have a nice peach/terracotta wall color and lots of sunlight. It might work if it's not too busy and I can get the shot quickly.

I'm wondering if anyone has used home-made "light reflectors" (I don't know the technical name) like I've seen the pros use? I mean, some of the photos look so professional. It seems a good photo is important since I am just starting out and I have no storefront. Almost as important as the cake looking good!